Whooping cough reported at Morello Park Elementary in Martinez

MARTINEZ -- A 9-year-old student at Morello Park Elementary was diagnosed last Friday with whooping cough, also known as pertussis.

His mother alerted the school, which sent out a message to parents warning them to look for signs and symptoms of the communicable disease. These can include runny nose, sneezing, low or no fever, and a mild cough.

The symptoms can worsen after one or two weeks and can last for months, including coughing attacks that can lead to vomiting, a red or blue face, a "whoop" sound, breathing problems, fatigue and sweating. Infants are especially at risk, said Paul Leung, Contra Costa Public Health immunization coordinator.